Meningitis claims life of North Somerset family man, aged 30
11.01.11
Tributes have been paid to a keen sportsman who died suddenly after contracting meningitis.
Darren Evans, 30, of Yatton, was rushed to hospital on New Year's Day after feeling unwell and died the following day after being diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.
Darren, a dad of one who grew up in the village, had felt unwell over Christmas but thought he had seasonal flu and had started to improve.
But on New Year's Day he woke up with a severe headache and went to Clevedon Cottage Hospital for treatment.
Just hours later he was rushed to Weston General Hospital, where he died the following day.
His family have paid tribute to Darren, who worked as a sign maker and lived with his partner Jenny, describing him as a "hardworking and dedicated father".
Brother Lester, 30, said: "His death has come as a massive shock to us all and we just can't get over it.
"It is so shocking that someone who is fit and healthy can be struck down by meningitis.
"Darren had been unwell over Christmas and thought he had the flu, but on New Year's Day he took a real turn for the worse.
"He woke up in a lot of pain on New Year's Day and it was unlike him to seek help as he was fiercely independent. Darren was a dedicated father and his priority was his three-and-a-half-year old son Joshua – he was the apple of his eye.
"Darren was a very strong character with lots of friends and was a popular and well-known person in Yatton, and he will be sorely missed by us all."
Former Backwell School student Darren was a keen sportsman, playing football for a number of local teams over the years including Cleeve West Town and Yatton Football Club.
He also played cricket at Claverham Cricket Club, was a member of the pool team at The Railway pub in Yatton and had recently started rugby training.
Friends in village pubs have held a minute's silence since hearing of his death to pay tribute to him.
His funeral will be held at St Mary the Virgin Church, Yatton, on January 20 at 2.30pm, followed by a wake at Claverham Cricket Club.
Lester added: "Everyone who knew Darren is welcome to come along."
It is family flowers only but anyone wanting to do something in Darren's memory is being invited to make a donation to Meningitis UK.
The family have set up a link at www.meningitisuk.tributefunds.com/fund/Darren+Evans/showfund/FID/2184 and there will also be envelopes for donations on the day of the funeral.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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